The Mink

11/23/09

I Would Rather Go To The Old Notsuoh and Fall Through the Fl

by CSMobileUser2 at Citysearch

My wife and I went to the Dax Riggs show last night. Dax Riggs was great, and while the bartenders and staff were nice and cordial, the Mink itself was less than impressive. I don't understand why a place qualifies as a "hipster" haven just because it houses a tawdry collection of used furniture randomly strewn about in dimly lit, dingy rooms. The place is a maze to get through. If you are one of the people who actually heed the surgeon general's warnings and refrain from smoking coffin nails, the proximity to smokers at the Mink is all around. I have no problem with you going and killing yourself outside, but Houston has laws prohibiting smoking inside, so that those of us who value our lives don't have to pay for your stupidity. Also, you aren't "hip" or cool if you spark up a joint during a show. Get over yourself. I just don't understand why most clubs that host indie related events have to be such run down, thrift store type places. Bathroom with no doors, patched floors, no toilet seats, ignorant things written on the walls, etc. I don't know, I know I'm ranting, but I have a huge headache this morning from all of the secondhand smoke, and my wife can't stop talking about the nasty guys who kept making drunk innuendos to her all night. No offense to the staff of the mink or the ownership, but it just didn't do it for me. Blah.

09/08/08

BADASS ATMOSPHERE and great music.

by Iamachelsea at Citysearch

I had a blast this past saturday when we went to the after party for the musuem of fine arts mixed music series.

The crowd was good, the music was bangin but the service was non exsistant. They were SUPER short staffed and I had to wait about 10 minutes every time I wanted a beer. Other than being short staffed, no barback cleaning the place up and a really rude bartender in the backroom I totally recommend it. I will def go back.

• Pros: music, several different rooms to party in
• Cons: trash everywhere and rude/slow bartender

01/08/07

Great place, but a bit enigmatic.

by bananachips at Citysearch

The Mink is one of my favorite bars in Houston! But here's my analysis:

Decor: (1) Front bar: tasteful and elegant. (2) Back bar: minimalist with black walls; lounge area has good seating, but is a little creepy. (3) Upstairs: more of a dance venue; good club lighting and adequate seating.

Bartenders: Awesome, nicest group of bartenders you'll ever meet. Very attentive and friendly. Watch out for the bouncer, though, he is no-nonsense.

Clientele: Mostly fashionable scenester types. Doesn't really cater to the yuppie, chest hair crowd except on rare occassions. Everyone is welcome (no dress code), but most everyone at least attempts to look nice. Snob-level is low.

Drinks: Great variety of alcoholic beverages at reasonable (albeit a little high) prices. Specials during the week are awesome, though.

Atmosphere: (1) Front bar: casual and relaxed. (2) Back bar: a little more pretentious, but intimate. (3) Upstairs: where people go to dance and/or where bands/DJs play. Dance floor is adequate. Very dimly lit. Lot of bathrooms which is a major plus!

Location: Midtown-ish, adjacent to Big Top and Continental Club. Street parking is usually ample.

Problems: Sometimes this place can be pretty empty on the weekends, especially in the front bar. Not sure why that is. DJ's choice of music challenging, a good or bad thing depending on your perspective. You won't hear Justin Timberlake or Ludacris, but if you're up for cutting edge dance music from artists you may have never heard of, this is your place.

Overall: Great place that will grow on you!

• Pros: Great staff and friendly patrons. Ample parking.
• Cons: Sometimes a little empty.